Norwegian Star Drifts in Hudson River Due to Power Failure – July 12, 2025

Introduction
On July 12, 2025, the Norwegian Star experienced a total power failure shortly after departing Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City. The vessel, carrying 2,348 passengers on a 14-night transatlantic voyage to Reykjavík, drifted helplessly in the Hudson River until tugboats intervened. The outage disrupted multiple onboard systems, including propulsion, lighting, air conditioning, and water services, during warm summer conditions.

Details of the Incident

Immediate Impact:

• The ship lost propulsion just minutes into its departure, drifting between the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and the New Jersey shoreline.
• Air conditioning and water supply were interrupted, causing discomfort in the mid-80°F (27–29°C) heat.
• Several tugboats responded and successfully towed the vessel back to Manhattan’s Pier 88.

Repairs and Recovery:

• USCG officials conducted inspections and granted clearance for the vessel to resume operations.
• Norwegian Star departed again around 00:30 a.m. on July 13, with the revised timeline allowing it to maintain its original port call in Halifax on July 14.
• NCL has reassured guests and emphasized their commitment to operational safety.

Recurring Technical Concerns:

• This is not the first incident involving the Norwegian Star. The ship has a history of propulsion issues, including multiple Azipod system failures and a 2022 legal settlement over technical defects.
• The cause of the current failure remains unconfirmed, though early reports suggest it may again involve electrical or propulsion infrastructure.

Itinerary Status:

• Despite the disruption, the itinerary remains intact with planned stops in Halifax, Sydney (NS), Prince Edward Island, Nuuk, Paamiut, Ísafjörður, Akureyri, and Grundarfjörður, before ending in Reykjavík on July 26.
• Passengers have reportedly remained calm, with NCL providing updates and services to minimize disruption to guest experience.